There are also a number of unbanded birds floating about, possibly looking for partners and suitable territory as well. OMRW and his female (unbanded) partner have made a scrape at Moggs Creek recently and regular pairs at Point Roadknight West, Whites Beach and Guvvo’s Beach have been observed ‘on territory’. KM, a bird that has a history of breeding at the tip of Point Roadknight, was seen there with another bird, RP. However, he seems to have been the victim of a palace coup as RP has now chased him away and moved in her new partner, BL.

Sue Guinness (Regional Coordinator, Friends of the Hooded Plover, Surf Coast) predicts we may see increased competition for prime breeding habitat this year as the high tides have affected the dune structure, causing a loss of vegetation. It is a reminder that we all need to be careful to stay off the dunes so as not to further weaken their structure. Additionally, the hoodies may be moving further into the dunes searching for nesting sites.

Some Anglesea bird sightings include a very tame Blue-winged Parrot feeding on Capeweed flowers on the footpath in McDougall Road yesterday, Golden Whistlers, Satin Bowerbirds, a Crested Shrike-tit and a Great Egret with breeding plumes. There has been an Olive-backed Oriole calling from the north side of Betleigh Street but it has proved elusive to see. A Spotted Pardalote has made a nest in the tyres at the old school site in Camp Rd. The bird sits on the fence almost within touching distance and provides a great photo opportunity!

A small dolphin was washed up on the beach at Urquhart Bluff last month.

It had been mauled by sharks. Ecologic staff took the dolphin carcass into the bush for the ants to do their work, with a view to collecting the skull later for display.